THE LEGACY LIVES ON - Bon Secours Hospital...Sabina Kelly, whose organization pledged $500,000 to the capital initiative. Under Armour’s Stacy Ullrich emphasizes the company’s

SPRING 2019

Archbishop Lori Hosts community leadersPAGE 8

Future Baltimore™ marks MilestonePAGE 4

Hospital’s 100th birthdayPAGES 5–6

THE LEGACY LIVES ON

Partnership paves way to transform community’s health

E xactly one month after neighbors celebrated the opening of Bon Secours’ first hospital in America a century ago, local leaders announced plans for an innovative partnership to improve west side neighbors’ health; one which would involve the acquisition of the iconic Catholic hospital by another local system: LifeBridge Health. (Story on

pages 2–3). Bon Secours’ legacy in Baltimore lives on, however, through the continuation and expansion of programs that address the social determinants of health, as described in Archbishop William Lori’s message on pages 10–11.

The two systems are committed to focusing on “better access to quality health care services, wellness and prevention,” he said. “This will enable Bon Secours to address the root causes of health disparities, and to transform the health and wholeness of west Baltimore through the expansion of Bon Secours’ Community Works and Unity Property Housing programs and services.”

The financial proceeds of the acquisition will be paid over six years to Bon Secours Baltimore Foundation, and will be used exclusively for the establishment, continuation, and expansion of community-based programming.

Bon Secours Community Works programs will continue its focus on community health and wholeness

through work on social determinants of health. (See sidebar: “Message from Samuel L. Ross”). Just as the Sisters of Bon Secours did for 38 years before building the hospital in 1919, the acquisition would ensure that 24/7 hospital services remain in the west Baltimore neighborhood, providing patients with access to the vast network of local specialists in the LifeBridge Health network.

“Bon Secours Baltimore Hospital is a vital part of the west Baltimore community,” said Neil Meltzer, president and chief executive officer of LifeBridge Health. “As a Baltimore-based health system, LifeBridge Health envisions building on Bon Secours’ strong foundation to provide a comprehensive and enhanced plan for all levels of health care services. At the same time, we want to bring additional resources to the community to address needs related to employment, addiction and other challenges.”

The recent announcement received swift, enthusiastic support from numerous Bon Secours’ stakeholders, among them: Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh, Maryland Secretary of Health Robert R. Neall and and the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission.

According to Dr. Ross, Bon Secours and LifeBridge Health will work together to ensure a smooth, stable transition with no disruption of services. “We will hold a series of community meetings to share details about the transition and to answer questions from community members,” he said. Both organizations will also work together to transition Bon Secours’ employees to LifeBridge Health. “While ownership of the Baltimore Hospital will be changing upon completion of the acquisition, the need for health

INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE

MODEL PROPOSEDLifeBridge Health & Bon Secours

announce plans to improve west side neighbors’ health

2 INTOUCH • SPRING 2019

T he recent news of LifeBridge Health’s intent to acquire Bon Secours Baltimore Hospital is expected to “accelerate and improve health outcomes for the west

Baltimore community,” according to Samuel L. Ross, M.D., chief community health officer, Bon Secours Mercy Health, and CEO of Bon Secours Baltimore Hospital.

care services in west Baltimore remains,” he said. A website, westbaltimorehealth.org, will serve as a hub for details about community

I’m excited about what LifeBridge Health’s intent to acquire Bon Secours Baltimore

will mean for our work in the west Baltimore community. Through this acquisition, Bon Secours will continue our commitment to community health and outreach programs in our community—our core focus for almost 140 years. Our ministry will continue to focus on community health and wholeness through our ongoing work to address the social determinants of health such as affordable housing, community rebuilding, GED training, women’s resources, job training, family support services, assistance for returning citizens after release from incarceration, early childhood education, and food insecurity.

As part of this work, we will also partner with schools to address the impact of adverse childhood events and the opioid epidemic in our community — together, we will introduce education, training and tools to inform students, address trauma and build a more resilient community.

As one of six systems selected for the Center for Community Investment’s national Accelerating Investments for Healthy Communities program, Bon Secours will also help participating hospitals and health systems deepen their investment in affordable housing and advance policies and practices that foster equitable housing solutions.

Indeed, Bon Secours remains committed to the west Baltimore community. As a result of the LifeBridge Health acquisition of the hospital, the Foundation

will see a significant infusion of funds. These proceeds will be used exclusively for the establishment, continuation and expansion of community-based programming for Community Works and Unity Properties. In other words, the future of our ministry in west Baltimore is sustainable and bright!

What else does that future entail? Better strategies and bigger impact.

In my system-wide role as Bon Secours Mercy Health’s chief community health officer, I will lead the establishment of a baseline for the scope of community health initiatives across the organization. As part of that process, we will

leverage findings from the upcoming Community Health Needs Assessment—an IRS-required assessment that will help us to improve the health of the communities we serve. This assessment will be a key vehicle for defining both the current state of our programs and services as well as strategies to better engage with our community, prioritize needs and address them.

We will also use data to strengthen programs and measure their impact. We will enhance our documentation and reporting on community investments to ensure these investments are gaining the best returns and benefits for the community.

I look forward to working with each and every Bon Secours stakeholder to advance and expand our ministry’s work in west Baltimore. Together, we can develop smarter and stronger approaches to improve the lives of those who live in this special community.

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3www.BonSecoursBaltimoreFoundation.org

meetings and other information about the pending acquisition and integration of Bon Secours Hospital and LifeBridge Health.

As Chief Community Health Officer for Bon Secours Mercy Health, Dr. Ross will continue his leadership of Housing and Community Development and Community Works.

“The future of our ministry is sustainable

and bright!”

A MESSAGE FROM SAMUEL L. ROSS, M.D. Chief Community Health Officer, Bon Secours Mercy Health


Under Armour, Bank of America bring RESOURCE CENTER CLOSER TO REALITY

$4.4m committed for construction

B on Secours and Kaiser Permanente’s Future Baltimore™ initiative, a revitalization plan to advance health equity and economic opportunity in west Baltimore, announced commitments of $500,000 from Bank of America and $1 million from Under Armour to

construct a community resource center at a recent event December 12 in downtown Baltimore. Commitments to date (featured on page 5) represent $4.4 million of the $6.6 million goal.

With nearly 20,000 square feet, the center will serve 3,000 children and adults annually through an array of programs including workforce development and financial literacy initiatives. A ground-breaking for the Center will take place this summer.

Bon Secours’ CEO Samuel L. Ross congratulates Future Baltimore™ stakeholders on their fundraising achievements.

Key “Future Baltimore™” leaders and supporters take a bow for their success.

Future Baltimore™ Co-Chair Destiny-Simone Ramjohn presents a commemorative lapel pin to Bank of America’s local market leader Sabina Kelly, whose organization pledged $500,000 to the capital initiative.

Under Armour’s Stacy Ullrich emphasizes the company’s support of the west side revitalization plan.

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Concepts for the proposed community resource center include an Innovation Center, top left, and a rooftop vegetable garden (at right). Ground breaking for the facility is planned this summer.

These organizations have invested more than $6 million in the plans to transform an abandoned library into a state-of-the art Community Resource Center.

More than $4.4 million has been dedicated to its construction.

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$1 MILLION +Kaiser Permanente

Maryland General AssemblyUnder Armour

$500,000–$999,000Bank of America

Bon Secours Baltimore Health System

$250,000–$499,000Baltimore’s Promise

City of BaltimoreFrance-Merrick FoundationMD DHCD: Project C.O.R.E.

SEEDCO/Department of LaborThe Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

$100,000–$249,000Bon Secours Mission Fund

Bunting Family FoundationDuker/McArdle Foundation

Mayor’s Office of Employment Development

$50,000–$99,000Family League

Gallagher, Evelius & Jones

OTHER MAJOR SUPPORTERSAnnie E. Casey Foundation

Baltimore City Public SchoolsBon Secours Ministry Fund

Brown AdvisoryCSX Conservation Fund

Deering Family FoundationEpic Systems

B eneath a cozy tent on a freezing day, hundreds of neighbors, elected officials, volunteers,

and colleagues sipped hot cocoa & ate cupcakes in honor of Bon Secours Baltimore Hospital’s centennial birthday in late January. The Sisters of Bon Secours actually arrived from Paris in Baltimore 38 years earlier to care for the sick and dying in their homes. However, the hospital wasn’t constructed until 1919. It was a gift from appreciative donors George and Kay Jenkins, whose family members had benefitted from their care. Despite plans for LifeBridge Health to acquire the hospital, colleagues and supporters will continue the centennial celebration through the end of 2019 as a way to honor its legacy before its identity changes. Edith Gilliard-Canty, President of the Franklin Square Neighborhood

Association greets Community Works’ Tatiana Warren-Jones upon her arrival.

Appreciative guests mug for the camera.

A perfect day for an outdoor party, even with temperatures in the mid-30 degrees.

100+ TURN OUT TOCELEBRATE HOSPITAL’S 100+!


Hospital colleagues Arsalan Sheikh, D.O., Clintonette Garrison, Ibrahim Hanna, M.D., and Ruth Coby strike a pose in front of the giant birthday cake.

City Councilman John Bullock shares a funny moment with Lieutenant Colonel Sheree Briscoe.

City Councilman John Bullock prepares to proclaim January 25, 2019 “Bon Secours Hospital Day in Baltimore” as he is greeted by Dr. Ross.

Nelly’s Echo Band

Bon Secours Mercy Health Chief Clinical Officer Wael Haidar, M.D., is introduced to Sr. Mary Rita Nangle, C.B.S., by Sr. Anne Lutz, C.B.S., BSMH Chief Sponsorship Officer.

Ibrahim Hanna, M.D., Bon Secours’ Chair of Surgery, greets Centennial Chairs Charlie and Joanne Brown.

100+ TURN OUT TOCELEBRATE HOSPITAL’S 100+!


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PICTURED, LEFT: Johns Hopkins Healthcare President Patty Brown and Center Club President P.J. Mitchell. MIDDLE: Archbishop Lori, Adelaide Mayor and artist Martha Dougherty; and RIGHT: Honorary Centennial Chairs, Joanne and Charlie Brown with Archbishop Lori.

ABOVE, LEFT: guests gather in the parlor of the Archbishop’s residence. ABOVE, RIGHT: Archbishop Lori and Honorary Reception Chair Ellen Yankellow. Related story & photos on pages 10–11, “Sisters’ Legacy”

ARCHBISHOP HOSTS CENTENNIAL RECEPTION

FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS

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In conjunction with the hospital’s centennial, Archbishop William Lori hosted a house party at his residence in January to introduce Baltimore leaders to Bon Secours and share a bit about its unique history, including the revolution of modern medicine by the Sisters of Bon Secours.

More than 50 guests and Bon Secours leaders turned out for the event which was chaired by Ellen Yankellow, CEO of CorrectRX Pharmacy Services.


STUDENTS VISIT LEGISLATURE Accompany Future Baltimore™ delegation

West Baltimore elementary school students and representatives from Bon Secours and

Kaiser Permanente (pictured below) traveled to Annapolis in February to meet their

legislators and to request continued support of the partnership’s Future Baltimore™

initiative. A similar visit last year resulted in a $1 million grant for the construction of the proposed

Community Resource Center on Payson Street, thanks large part to the efforts of Del. Keith Haynes

(pictured above right). At left, above, Sen. Chris Van Hollen greets students upon their arrival at the

Senate building.


SISTERS LEGACY CONTINUES IN BALTIMORE

“

The forthcoming book, A Century Ahead, chronicles the Sisters of Bon Secours’ arrival in America in 1881. In it, Baltimore Archbishop William Lori offers this poignant introduction, which captures the faith, spirit, and determination of the three original sisters who started the Sisters of Bon Secours, U.S.A. The book, collectively authored by those close to Bon Secours, is scheduled for release in the Fall, 2019.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO, a small Catholic hospital was built as a beacon of hope in a part of Baltimore that today sees some of our City’s greatest challenges. It was constructed and furnished by a devout Catholic couple, George Carrell Jenkins and his wife Kay, to honor the Sisters of Bon Secours for their skilled and compassionate home care.

“As such, the story of Bon Secours’ first hospital in America clearly began before the hospital was even built. As we honor the hospital’s centennial anniversary, it is fitting to put this important milestone into historical context by beginning in 1881, when Archbishop James Cardinal Gibbons invited the Bon Secours Sisters to bring their ministry to Baltimore.

Imagine, if you can, three young nurses embarking on a mission from France before the turn of the 20th century. They said goodbye to their loved ones, not knowing if they would ever return. They packed a few trunks. They took turns carrying a statue of the Madonna and Child that was almost as tall as they were, and they boarded a Cunard Line steamer bound for America. Their mission: to care for the sick and dying in Baltimore.

“This is how the story begins. It challenges us to imagine the physical and emotional sacrifices these women were willing to make, equipped with little more than their mission, faith in God and the providence of our Blessed Mother,

Sisters of Bon Secours (C.B.S.) attending the recent reception hosted by Baltimore Archbishop William Lori (center) included (left to right): Jennifer Doyle, Mary Shimo, Anne Lutz, Elaine Davia, Fran Gorsuch, Pat Eck, Rose Marie Jasinski, and Alice Talone. (PHOTO BY SHARON REDMOND).


A ‘HABIT OF THE HEART’Millennial finds joy helping others

F rench aristocrat Alexis de Tocqueville identified the unique “habits of the heart” of American people on a visit to this country nearly two centuries before Ashley Funderburk was

even born. But if he were to arrive in Baltimore today he would find those characteristics very much alive and well in the heart of the 25-year old city resident.

During the recent holiday season, Ashley decided to hold a toy drive for children in need, and she didn’t have to look very hard to find organizations happy to accept the bounty. Her mother, Trevor Mitchell, simply pointed her to Bon Secours where she was aware that employees adopted families in December for its annual “Christmas for the Community” program.

With a single, focused strategy, she posted a donation request to her friends on all the major social media websites: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. The response: toys, not just for the children enrolled in Bon Secours’ Early Head Start, but enough for those in its daycare center at Hollins Apartments, and its Empowerment Program in Behavioral Health. She even had puzzles and games leftover to give to seniors in Bon Secours’ housing developments.

A graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Ashley is not new to helping people. Her own desire to serve is well-documented. A year ago the care coordinator for a local substance treatment center put out a similar call to action on her 25th birthday. The request: donate to a community housing program instead of buying her a gift. The result: successful enough to form a habit, and one which repeated itself during the 2018 holiday season.

For additional information about giving or serving, visit www.bonsecoursbaltimorefoundation.org.

and an innovative model of care. In 1881, and in the decades that followed, Bon Secours’ stood apart from its peers by addressing not just the patient’s needs, but those of the entire household. When someone needed a job, they found one. When they needed food, they planted a garden. When financial hardship forced mothers to work, they built one of Baltimore’s first day nurseries to care for their children.

“In fact, these Sisters revolutionized the delivery of healthcare in America by recognizing the material, psychological and spiritual needs that contribute to good health, a full century ahead of the industry.

“Today, Bon Secours remains a modest, but exemplary ministry in west Baltimore, doing many of the same things the Sisters did more than a century ago. At 100, the 68-bed hospital is dwarfed by the array of services it is providing, including housing and job training, outside of its walls.”

“We ask God’s blessing on Bon Secours, for 100 years of outstanding service since the hospital opened in 1919, and for the nearly four decades of the Sisters’ ‘Good Help’ that preceded it. May our Lord and Mary His Mother watch over you and the citizens of west Baltimore throughout the century to come!”

— Baltimore Archbishop William Lori 2019

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Ashley Funderburk; at right, the toys she collected for children in need

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDBaltimore, MDPermit No. 74

2000 West Baltimore Street Baltimore, MD 21223

A PUBLICATION OF Bon Secours Baltimore Health System Foundation, Inc. 2000 West Baltimore Street Baltimore, MD 21223 410-362-3000

For more information, please contact

Julie MercerVice President of Philanthropy and Fund Development410-362-3090 [email protected]

www.bonsecoursbaltimorefoundation.org

BON SECOURS BALTIMORE HEALTH SYSTEM FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David McGinnis, ChairThe Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Gloria Goins

Neusa FacendaM&T Bank

Terri Harrington, TreasurerMacKenzie Commercial Real Estate

Usha Jain, M.D.Bon Secours Baltimore Health System

Anne Lutz, C.B.S.Bon Secours Health System

Robert D. MatthewsBGE

Julie Mercer, V.P.Bon Secours Baltimore Health System Foundation

Samuel L. Ross, M.D., M.S., C.E.O.Bon Secours Baltimore Health System

Mary Shimo, C.B.S., PresidentSisters of Bon Secours

is to bring compassion to health care and to be Good Help to Those in Need.® As a system of caregivers, we commit ourselves to help bring people and communities to health and wholeness as part of the healing ministry of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.

THE MISSIONOF BON SECOURS BALTIMORE HEALTH SYSTEM

THE LEGACY LIVES ON - Bon Secours Hospital...Sabina Kelly, whose organization pledged $500,000 to the capital initiative. Under Armour’s Stacy Ullrich emphasizes the company’s

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